EMG feedback treatment of upper limb in hemiplegic stroke patients: a pilot study

Poor prognosis for upper limb recovery of stroke survivors has not changed in at least 28 years; only 4% to 5% of patients regain arm function during or after the active rehabilitation phase. This pilot study included 37 patients randomly assigned to either an integrated behavioral-physical therapy treatment program including electromyographic feedback (experimental group) or a standard exercise physical therapy program of like duration and intensity (control group). Both groups showed clinically significant improvements that exceeded previously reported experience. The experimental technique appears to be more effective when upper limb involvement is not severe in a late case, or when treatment is started early (within 3 months poststroke) in a severe case. The rehabilitation community should quickly investigate the improved prospects of restoring a greater number of useful upper limbs in this often neglected group of hemiplegic patients.